Children’s guaifenesin dosage
Every chart below is transcribed from a real FDA drug-facts label, and grouped by the strength printed on the bottle. We calculate nothing.
Check the strength on your bottle first
The same medicine is sold at more than one concentration, and a chart is only correct for the bottle it was printed on. Find the “active ingredient” line on your package and match it to the heading above a chart below. If it does not match any of them, use the chart on your own box and ask a pharmacist if it is unclear.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S) FOR DAYTIME (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 5mg Guaifenesin 100 mg Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S) FOR NIGHTTIME (in each”.
The same chart appears on 8 products, including Daytime Nighttime Childrens Multi-symptom Cold, Childrens Multi Symptom Cold Very Berry, Leader Childrens Multi Symptom Cold.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “ACTIVE INGREDIENTS (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Guaifenesin 100 mg”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Childrens Cough, Childrens Mucus and Cough Relief.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 5 mL-10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 2.5 mL - 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Guaifenesin 200 mg Purpose Cough suppressant Expectorant”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Vicks DayQuil Kids FREE OF ARTIFICIAL DYES and SUGAR COLD and COUGH plus MUCUS, Vicks DayQuil Kids and Vicks NyQuil Kids FREE OF ARTIFICIAL DYES and SUGAR COLD and COUGH plus.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 4 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | do not use unless directed by doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
20 mg per 20 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 20 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 20 mg Guaifenesin, USP 200 mg”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including DRx Choice Children daytime Cough and Chest Congestion, Meijer Children Cough and Chest Congestion DM Grape Flavor.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children under 4 years | do not use |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 20 mL every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Guaifenesin 100 mg”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Dr. Simi Children s Cough, Kids Daytime Cough and Nighttime Cough combo pack.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 5 mL - 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 2.5 mL - 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
250 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients Purpose Active ingredients (in each 10 mL = 2 teaspoonful) Purpose Acetaminophen 250 mg Pain reliever/fever reducer Dextromethorphan HBr 13.3”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Rompe Tos X Children, Tenalif Children.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL or 2 tsp provided every 4 hours |
| Children under 6 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S) Dextromethorphan HBr 5mg Guaifenesin 100 mg Phenyephrine HCl 2.5 mg
From the label for Childrens Multi-symptom Cold Daytime.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredient and Purpose . Active ingredient (in each 5 mL vial) Purpose Dextromethorphan HBr 5mg.............. Cough supressant Guaifenesin 100mg.........”.
From the label for Dr Kids Cough and Chest Congestion.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age (Years) | Dose |
|---|---|
| Under 4 | consult a doctor |
| 4 to under 6 | 1 vial every 4 hours |
| 6 to under 12 | 1-2 vials every 4 hours |
| 12 and older | 2-4 vials every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per teaspoonful
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredients & Purposes Active Ingredients (in each teaspoonful, 5 mL) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg ..... Cough Suppressant Guaifenesin 100 mg .....”.
From the label for SanaTos Children Cough and Congestion Cherry.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | 1-2 teaspoonfuls (tsps) every 4 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | ½-1 teaspoonful (tsp) every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | consult a doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
100 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredients (in each 15 mL) Guaifenesin 100 mg ................................................ Expectorant Dextromethorphan.............................”.
From the label for Bisolvine Children.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | 1 teaspoonful (15 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | 1/2 teaspoonful (7.5 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | Consult your doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredients (in each 5 mL tsp) Dextromethorphan HBr, 5 mg Guaifenesin, 50 mg Pseudoephedrine HCl, 15 mg”.
From the label for ACTINEL PEDIATRIC.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| AGE | DOSE |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | Take 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) every 4-6 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | Take 1 teaspoonfuls (5 mL) every 4-6 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | Ask a doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredients (in each 5 mL tsp.) Purpose Dextromethorphan HBr ............... 5 mg ................ Cough Suppressant Guaifenesin ........................”.
From the label for Altipres Pediatric.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Adults and children 12 years of age and over | take 4 teaspoonfuls (20 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | take 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | take 1 teaspoonfuls (5 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Active Ingredients in each (1 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 2.5 mg Guaifenesin 25 mg Phenylephrine HCl 1.25 mg
From the label for Tusnel-DM Pediatric.
| Age | Weight | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | 24-47 lbs | Take 2 mL every 4-6 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | Under 24 lbs | Ask a doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
100 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredient (in each 5 mL) Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Mucus Relief Chest Congestion.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 5 mL – 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 2.5 mL – 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
2 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Guaife”.
From the label for Vicks DayQuil NyQuil BERRY Kids COLD and COUGH plus.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 6 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 6 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Guaifenesin 100 mg Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Doxylamine succin”.
From the label for Childrens Cough and Congestion, Childrens Cold and Cough Day, Night.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| adults and children 12 years and over | 30 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 15 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 6 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr USP, 5 mg Guaifenesin USP, 100 mg”.
From the label for Mucus Relief Cough and Congestion Childrens.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years | 5-10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 2.5-5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 5 mg Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Cough and Chest Congestion.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years | 5 mL - 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 2.5 mL - 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Active ingredients (in each packet) Acetaminophen 162.5 mg Guaifenesin 100 mg Active ingredients (in each packet) Purposes Acetaminophen 162.5 mg Fever Reducer/
From the label for Mucinex Childrens Mini Melts Cold and Flu.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| adults and Children 12 years of age and over | 2 to 4 packets every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 doses (24 packets) in 24 hours |
| children 6 years to under 12 years of age | 2 packets every 4 hours, not to exceed 5 doses (10 packets) in 24 hours |
| children under 6 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients Day Time (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr USP 5 mg Guaifenesin. USP 100 mg Active ingredients for Nighttime (in each 10 mL) Chlorphenirami”.
From the label for Daytime and Nighttime Cough and Chest Congestion Childrens.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| Children under 4 years | Do not use |
| Children 4 to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| Children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| Adults and children 12 years and older | 20 mL every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
100 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Drug Facts Active ingredient (in each 5 mL teaspoonful) Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Chest Congestion Relief Grape.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 years to under 12 years | 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls every 4 hours |
| Children 4 years to under 6 years | 1/2 - 1 teaspoonful every 4 hours |
| Children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
100 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Drug Facts Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg Phenylephrine HCl, USP 2.5 mg”.
From the label for DRx Choice Childrens Stuffy Nose and Chest Congestion.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 years to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| Children 4 years to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| Children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
325 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Drug Facts Active ingredients Purpose (in each 10 mL) Acetaminophen 325 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Guaifenesin 200 mg Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg”.
From the label for CHILDRENS COLD COUGH and SORE THROAT MIXED BERRY.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| Children under 6 years of age | Do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “In each 5 mL Dextromethorphan HBr - 5 mg Guaifenesin - 75 mg Phenylephrine HCl - 2.5 mg”.
From the label for Tusnel Pediatric DM.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | Take 2 teaspoonful (10 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | Take 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | Ask a doctor |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Frequently asked questions
How much guaifenesin can I give my child?
Read it off the chart for the bottle you are holding, above. There is more than one strength of children's guaifenesin on sale, and each has its own chart — that is why this page shows them separately rather than giving one number. Dose by weight where the chart offers weight; the label itself says to use weight if you know it, and age only otherwise.
Why does the chart say "ask a doctor" for babies under 2?
Because the label does. The FDA drug-facts chart stops at the youngest age the product was approved to be self-administered for, and below that the manufacturer directs you to a clinician rather than printing a dose. We reproduce that row exactly and do not fill it in — a paediatrician dosing an infant is working from weight and a clinical picture that a chart cannot carry.
Can I use a children's chart with an infants' bottle?
No, and this is the mistake that causes real harm. The same drug is sold at different concentrations: infants' ibuprofen is 50 mg per 1.25 mL, children's is 100 mg per 5 mL. Reading one chart against the other bottle gives the wrong amount of medicine. Check the "active ingredient" line on your bottle against the strength shown above each chart here.
Can I use a kitchen spoon to measure it?
No. Use the syringe or cup that came with that specific product — labels say so explicitly, and household spoons vary enough to matter at these volumes. If the dosing device is lost, ask a pharmacist for one rather than estimating.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each table is transcribed cell for cell from that product's FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed, linked under every chart. We calculate nothing and we merge nothing across products.
More on guaifenesin
These charts are reproduced from FDA drug-facts labels for reference. They are not medical advice and cannot account for your child’s other medicines or conditions. Always read the label on the product you are giving, never exceed the stated number of doses in 24 hours, and call a doctor, pharmacist or poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) if you are unsure or think too much has been given.